IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Steve Horton
Illustrated by Stephen Thompson
Coloured by Lisa Jackson
Lettered by Neil Uyetake
A lone human survived the death of the one she loved, and escaped a corrupt Earth. She now makes her way as a bounty hunter, on a satellite full of aliens. But someone's about to turn her life upside down…
There’s a reason I try to read as many first issues as possible because you never know what’s going to resonate with you or hit you like a ton of bricks, which coincidentally is what this one did. No fuss, no fanfare just a quiet release of a science fiction/action/adventure thriller that with a stellar premise, strong writing and outstanding interior artwork.
Lilly left Earth after the love of her life died, she left a planet more xenophobic than ever before and took up residence as the lone human on the Satellite. Right off the bat we get to know her, listen to her talk about her choices and reasons for being there. Incredibly easy to relate to for anyone and we also get to learn about who she really is and what she really does. Cabbie by day, Bounty Hunter by night if you will, the two aren’t exactly exclusive as one is more a cover to do the other but you get the gist.
With holographic technology Lilly get’s her being and has a working relationship with the police. This was fantastic to see unfold! Also I think Steve’s one of my new heroes when it comes to writing because what the Chief did here was so unexpected, so freaking cool and kind of bada$$ creepy at the same time. This is the latest different story he’s written that i’ve read where he’s delivered some absolutely incredible characters and characterization to go with them. Not to mention the story itself again unique, original and a look at what I see happening to society if we ever did meet aliens.
There’s a fluidity here to what’s happening that I adore. The way the story unfolds is wonderful and that it has a familiar ring and feel to it, hey most do in one form or another, but wasn’t what I was expecting made it all the better. Still it does a lot of giving us character motives, feelings and how they operate and that is always a good thing and by the way sets up this story arc introduction very nicely.
Then there’s Stephen’s interiors. I’m not sure why we haven’t seen him do more for or isn’t as widely known as he could be but if you see this work you’ll understand why I say that. His imagination in creating alien species and the detail he brings to them is astonishing to say the least. The attention to detail throughout amazed me and just the overall perfect science fiction he brought to each page was a sheer delight. Lisa’s colouring of it was as equally impressive so that the whole look, tone and feel has that breakout star quality to it. Not to mention the fact that the way the book flows from page to page, panel to panel really gets the reader involved more into the story itself.
This could be huge for these folks it’s just that darn good. For me this is the summer blockbuster event i’ve been waiting for!